Mazda 6 successor comes as plug-in hybrid and electric car
Mazda is showing the EZ-6, which will only be sold in China. However, it is also likely to come to Europe in a similar form with electric drives.
(Bild: press-inform)
What characterizes a truly successful design? In my opinion: it only ages slowly. Anyone who agrees with this thesis will hardly be able to deny that the current Mazda 6 has a successful design. The car has been on the market in this form since 2012; there was a redesign with a few touch-ups in 2018. However, the basic shape has not been touched for 12 years. Mazda is also showcasing a potential successor in the form of the EZ-6 at Auto China 2024.
New infotainment system
The EZ-6 in this form is expressly intended only for the Chinese market. The first images show an elegant hatchback sedan that echoes the previous design to a certain extent. It is 4.92 m long and accordingly offers a generous amount of space, including in the rear. The seats have a reclining position in which a support for the calves is folded out. A huge screen sits enthroned on the dashboard, on which a different operating concept can be seen than in all other familiar Mazda models. Presumably, the brand is also taking a step forward in this respect - although this is also necessary. A large panoramic roof can also be seen, which cannot be opened.
Mazda EZ-6 (14 Bilder)
(Bild: Mazda )
Only with rear-wheel drive and electrification
The EZ-6 is only available with rear-wheel drive. The customer has the choice between a plug-in hybrid and a battery-electric drive. So far, there is only information on the range, and this is obviously based on Chinese standards and therefore cannot be compared with the WLTP. The electric car is expected to achieve a range of 600 km in this cycle, which is driven at lower speeds than is usual in the WLTP. A total of up to 1000 km is promised for the plug-in hybrid.
Model for Europe before the end of the year
A successor to the Mazda 6 offered in this country is likely to be presented this year and sold from next year at the latest. It will probably also have rear-wheel drive. It is unclear what will happen with the engines, as the brand is always good for surprises in this respect. It is fairly certain that without electrification, it will be difficult for the Mazda 6 on the European market. However, it is more than unlikely that the Japanese will compete exclusively with combustion engines.
(mfz)